Slovakia has outlined its key priorities in negotiations on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, focusing on funding for Slovak farmers and reducing regional disparities, during the ongoing EU summit in Brussels. Prime Minister Fico stressed that compromises will be necessary, pointing to long-standing tensions between net contributors to the EU budget and net beneficiaries, a group that includes Slovakia. Fico emphasized that securing sufficient resources for agriculture and regional development remains Slovakia’s main objective in the talks. EU leaders broadly agree that the new long-term budget should be in place by the start of 2028, meaning an agreement should be reached by the end of 2026. Discussions also showed openness to a new budget structure that would modernize the EU’s finances and allow greater flexibility in spending. Key unresolved issues include agricultural funding and the role of regions in managing EU funds among others. Leaders are expected to return to the topic regularly, with the next high-level debate planned for the EU summit in March.
Source: TASR
